Pediatric Health Library

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Fluoxetine capsules or tablets (PMDD indication)

What is this medicine?

FLUOXETINE (floo OX e teen) belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD causes intense mood and physical symptoms a week or two before your period every month. This drug helps improve mood swings, tiredness, tension, and breast tenderness.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Where should I keep my medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder

bleeding disorders

glaucoma

heart disease

liver disease

low levels of sodium in the blood

seizures

suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

take MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

thyroid disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to fluoxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder

bleeding disorders

glaucoma

heart disease

liver disease

low levels of sodium in the blood

seizures

suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

take MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

thyroid disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to fluoxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

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